Online media outlets have emerged as the leading contributors to the 2026 Samia Kalamu Awards, accounting for nearly half of all entries submitted so far, reflecting the growing role of digital platforms in promoting development journalism in Tanzania.
The Tanzania Communications Regulatory Authority (TCRA), in collaboration with the Tanzania Media Women’s Association (TAMWA) and the Journalists Accreditation Board (JAB), said a total of 624 entries had been received through the official Samia Kalamu Awards portal by June 15, 2026.
According to the organisers, online media platforms submitted 276 entries, representing 44 percent of all submissions received to date.
Newspapers followed with 178 entries, equivalent to 29 percent, while television stations submitted 102 entries, accounting for 16 percent. Radio stations contributed 60 entries, or 10 percent, while magazines submitted eight entries, representing just one percent of the total.
The figures also show that 569 entries, equivalent to 91.2 percent of all submissions, were filed under sectoral award categories.
Another 25 entries, or four percent, were submitted under the special national awards category, while 20 entries, representing 4.8 percent, were received in the media institution awards category.
The organisers said the strong response demonstrates the increasing use of digital platforms in the production and dissemination of development-focused content.
It also highlights the commitment of journalists and media houses to continue educating, informing and mobilising the public on issues related to national development.
TCRA, TAMWA and JAB commended journalists and media organisations that have already submitted their work and encouraged those who have not yet completed the process to take advantage of the remaining submission period.
They reminded prospective participants that the submission window will officially close on June 30, 2026, at 11:59 pm. Eligible entries must have been published or broadcast between July 1, 2025, and June 30, 2026.
Journalists across the country have been urged to submit their work through the official Samia Kalamu Awards website before the deadline to secure a chance to compete in the prestigious awards, which recognise excellence in development journalism.
The Samia Kalamu Awards were launched in 2025 as a national platform to celebrate professionalism, innovation and quality in journalism and development feature writing.
The awards are coordinated by TCRA in partnership with TAMWA and JAB as part of broader efforts to promote journalism that contributes to Tanzania’s social and economic development.
Held under the theme “Pen for Development,” the awards seek to encourage the production of high-quality local content grounded in research, professionalism and ethical reporting.
They also recognise the contribution of journalists and media institutions in informing the public about national development initiatives and enhancing Tanzania’s image both domestically and internationally.
The 2026 edition features multiple categories, providing opportunities for individual journalists and media organisations to compete based on the quality, impact and contribution of their published or broadcast work to the country’s development agenda.
